Deal killing drivers seat

The drive seat is fine for me too as long as I have a lumbar pillow. Without that it sucks for anything more than a few miles.

The bigger problem is the steering wheel. It isn't out nearly far enough. For me to have the correct seating position with the steering wheel where it is, I'd have to be able to put my wrists on the top of the wheel with my back firmly planted in the seat. I'm 6' 5". In order for me to get the correct arm length to steering wheel position, I have to move the seat to the front most position which makes my knees wrap around my arms on the outsides. Imagine a 6' 5" tall guy in an accordion like fetal position in the Prius driver's seat. I'd hate to get in a crash like that.

I'd kill for a steering wheel extender, but haven't been able to find one. Am thinking about having one made.

 

Had my prius for month plus now. Leather, still seats suck! I'm big and fat. so when i hear complaints about adding "some" weight by Toyota, I already am!! LOL I might as well be comfortable at $26k up.

BTW my mileage is still 43-49 mpg. So being a LOT overweight, let's just say toyota is full of it if it were merely a 30lb mechanism or electric motor. I am well over that difference than Joe or Billy, and i still get great mileage.

hmm just seems like a major scimp on Toyotas part.

My better half on the other hand finds the seats fully acceptable. Still, what a scimp on a rather spendier mid priced "car of the future"

 

The good news is Toyota listened in a big way and greatly improved the 2010 Prius front seats. I'm almost certain Toyota does not change seats during any generations (i.e. 04-09).

2009 Camry manual seats are arguably a benchmark for very good Toyota seating, and the 2010 Prius seats are not far behind at all. I was blown away at how much Toyota improved the 2010 seats, travel, adjustments, legoom, seat contour, and shape. Telescoping steering wheel helps too, even though it's just 1.5" telescope action.

but, hmmm, you have a 2009. Time to analyze what is wrong with the seats for both of you.

Is the seat bottom too narrow for you? Is it too short? Not enough thigh support? Not enough lumbar support? Too little legroom? Too little headroom? Too high? Too low, flat, etc....

The bad news is, and I believe some don't like to hear this, the Gen2 Prius front seat dimensions, adjustment, and ergonomics in relation to the control pedals and steering wheel are a 'spittin image' of the lowly Yaris hatchback.

How do I know this? I doubt there are many others who've took tape measure into a dealer showroom a number of times, measuring the Prius, Yaris and other models seats leading of to a big mod on my driver's seat.

Good news is, with resourcefulness and creativity, you can improve the front seat comfort of your Prius.

Here are some ideas -

If you are not happy with the store offering of seat cushions, you can visit a local foam shop, upholstery shop or 'foam factory'. Be ready to describe the problem and tell them what you want.

You can take a template (mine was cardboard) to a foam shop. I went through about 6 different shapes and came up with a 1/4" base seat cushion that sits between the side bolsters, then has a wedge at front of seat. Unconventional, but I never drive without it. Cost, $10 for them to make, a few hours sewing on a cover.

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Sit in a Tacoma (base model) Access cab for comparison. Why? Because it does not have height adjust like your Prius. With tape measure, set the seat like your Prius. Then use the extra clicks back on the Tacoma. Does sliding back further help?
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Try adjusting your seatback angle. This can help greatly. If too far forward, the headrest can feel like it's pusing into your head. The backrest and headrest should feel 'right there' for you. Not pushing nor too far away. My backrest works well for me.

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Mods to lower the seat bottom are extraordinarily difficult. Shorter people have it much easier to raise up on a cushion.

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Gaining more seat travel backward may also be difficult. There are a set of braces on Prius shop.

My seat is a used Prius seat, rewelded 'foot' mounts. I have equivalent of 4 extra clicks back in exact same plane as stock seat. Great for me.
(Look at my avatar, passenger seat is all the way back)
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That said, Toyota did listen 'big time' on this seat issue in improving the 2010 Prius seats. Not many will complain about the 2010 seats.

The 2010 Prius seats are not far off the goodness of the Camry front seats, albeit Prius does not have power adjustment due to weight penalty.

 

Keep in mind the 2010 Prius front seats are entirely different than the Gen2 Prius seats.

The 2010 seats will not fit or drop into a Gen2 Prius in any way. The mounting feet and rail width are much different dimensions, and in the 2010, they are 'beefier'.

Another thing that bothered me before remounting a $300 used Prius driver's seat in mine is ....

when sitting behind the driver's seat with it all the way back, there was more than enough legroom back there, even for me. For me, it was this image of a tall driver 'boxed into' a small corner known as the driver's corner.

anyrate, although the Gen2 Prius seats work fine for a great many people, perhaps most buyers, they are regarded as having limited adjustments, and compared to 2010 Prius front seats, they are 'on the small side'.

 

Ahh well and good to hear Toyota 'listened' and fixed these monuments to anti-ergonomics. But, having paid close to $30K already, why should anyone have to lose several thou 'upgrading' from an '08 to a '10, for the sake of a lousy seat design? I don't want another Toyota with some new demons lurking in the background. I do want some good seats in my '08, so lead me to an aftermarket solution, not a welding torch and sledge hammer.

As I stated initially, Toyota seems to be following the planned obsolescence model of the old Detroit.

Earlier this year, I sold my faithful '85 Toyota SR5 4x4 pickup to a friend. I bought this truck new in late '84 and put about 150,000 very reliable miles on it. It was always ready to go when I was. My experience with the truck led me to the Prius, after looking at many other brands and models. I have three other cars and a big-a** truck, so its not like I needed this one. The seats in the P/U were horrid and it appears that Toyota never 'caught' that fact in their future design shop. I will not accept their lack of attention again and will surely buy the competition's endeavor next time. Adios Toyota and good luck!

Your mileage may vary - and will...>>>flame off

 

if there were an after market solution i'd be the first in line. So many mixed issues on this. And NO Toyota did not force anyone to buy the prius with the seat issue. BUT researching something like seats is a tough task for a potential buyer. That said, Toyota obviously had knowledge of the seats or else would never have changed them in the G3 2010.

So i am left to conclude: Toyota knew the seats suck, the buyer couldn't know. And Toyota fixed the next Gens, while the buyer bought the existing models.

It's not a trap by toyota or complete gullibility on the buyers behalf. it just is circumstance that myself and many people buying the G1,G2 got the wrong end. While simultaneously Toyota knew the issue and remedied it.

So Toyota wised up. Many are stuck with there crappy seats. And nothing consumers or toyota is going to do about it.

What a drag for the owners. I'm bummed. And merely for the fact that my 09 is nearly the ideal car. Sad that it isn't in the "wised up" toyota comfort.

 

Easy bro, calm down ...

Funny, I still have an old '88 SR5 xtra cab 4x4 pickup (too embarassed to say why I drive it the 5 miles to work).

Ummm, I totally hear you about taking a hammer (actually, drill was first tool required) and welder to the stock seat .... I could not do that. 2 1/2 months ago, when under the gun to do something, any thoughts of modding the original seat 'shut me down' ... I would sit there and not be able to think.

In my case, I realized I would need to buy a good, used Prius driver's seat to modify. My original seat is sitting right next to me as I type this.

Once again, once Priuschat shop, there's 'extendmyseat' brackets to set a driver's seat 4" back.

But, you're in the passenger's seat. hmmmm....

Well, I'll play along more if you are specific about what is bothering you in your Prius seat.

 

I hear ya bro, I went through an angry stage from about Dec. 08 to May 09....

I called several Toyota dealers - is there any mods you can do to improve the seat? No
I called shops - We don't work on seats, liability problems, or bring it in, we could take a look at it (and experiment, eeeek).

I used to think lack of height adjuster was the smoking gun. I called Toyota corporate, filed a 'case' for putting out the car without this feature. They lent me an ear, that is all they could do.

I went to Relax the Back store, department stores, junkyards, foam factories, handicapped retrofitter, upholstery shops, auto parts stores, at least 20 trips to Fremont Toyota showroom to see 'what went wrong' in this purchase and what would make it better.

So, I hear ya.

For some Prius seat porn, here you go ...

 

I have one seat modification and 3 accessories to aid my driving comfort. I say this not to brag, but to show one may need to get 'down and dirty' to remedy a problem with a gen2 Prius seat. I and others have numerous mod threads on the subject too.

This pic shows a front brace that sets my used (but good!) seat about 2.5" back. Last night I clicked it 3 forward, back to original max position .... brrraaack!!!! Too close to the dash! I have 36" legs from crotch to bare foot. They are TIG welded. Front nut/bolt for show, one on rail acts as front stopper.



This Gray pillow placed, gives my right knee something to rest on. It's a keeper.


This custom cushion serves a specific purpose (foam shop $10, pillowcase sewn on). The 'base' is 1/4" thick because, being tall, I cannot afford to sit 'one iota' higher in this car. Notice it does not 'go up' the side bolster because that would make a narrow seat feel narrower. It acutally relieves some pressure of the side bolsters.
Also, there is a 5" (front to back) wedge glued on that flares up at front of seat giving some semblance of thigh support. It hangs out over front edge of seat making the seat bottom feel longer. It feels a little weird, but is much better than sitting on the bare seat, for me.


This is a low cost seat cover with bottom cut off. My seat is 3 extra clicks back which makes my reach to steering longer than before. This upper cover protects the seatback and moves me a bit closer to the steering wheel. Also, there is one singular best seatback angle to make it all work. My rearview mirror is also inverted to increase sightline under it. I slouch a tiny bit in the seat to 'hit the pocket' for the right feel in the seat.

Also, the side is cutout for the seat airbag. It is cutout so much, can't imagine the airbag would not deploy.



I've been driving for almost two months as shown and don't think I'll be making any more changes. It's all good, not great, but I can certainly live with it until ready to change to another car some years from now.

I hope you folks can find something to work much better for you.

This site is the best place for help.

 

Since you are 6'5" tall, you probably have the seatback reclined quite a bit, and I'll bet the headrest is not near your head. Seatback reclined = long reach to wheel.

And, I'll bet if you do put the seatback more upright (not vertical), your head just about hits the roofliner.

The 'mondo mod' of a Corolla seat, set back 2" would help you, but ouch that would be lots of work to do.

... then you might still want to telescope wheel.

Save up for another car!

 

Yes, Toyota was likely very focused on the HSD drivetrain for the Gen2 car and the new body shape. Most unfortunately some team skimped on the front seats / steering wheel and / or gave the job to some individuals who have hopefully been 'dealt with' at Toyota.

I have been told the Gen2 car was not designed for the North American market, it was designed for the Japanese market, hence the small seats.

But, the Gen2 caught on like wildfire in the US. The 2008 Prius brochure says on p2 -

" .... In fact, its (Prius) success took us by surprise."

Toyota never expected the Prius to be so popular in the US as it was not designed for bigger US sized drivers.

Anyrate, the 2010 is designed for our market and roads.

Toyota likes to say 'we made it more mainstream', meaning they made the 2010 for most US sized drivers (bigger seats, adjustability) and for our highways.

 

I hear you again. I will totally agree Toyota screwed up the seats and steering wheel in the Gen2 car. The proof of this is a 2006 and newer ...

Honda Civic hybrid, the competitor to the Gen2 Prius (although, the Civic drivetrain is much simpler / cheaper than Prius)

Sit in a Honda Civic hybrid. Tell me (us) what you think of those seats. IMO, they are very well shaped front seats, have the height adjuster, legroom very good, etc, etc...

And Honda needed to make the Civic hybrid as light as possible too. I doubt many complain about the Civic hybrid front seats.

Now, with Civic drivers seat all way back (and down!), rear legroom is lousy. But if the Civic seat was placed in a Gen2 Prius, the rear legroom would still be acceptable.

 

I have a 2010 Prius, I've put about 1000 mi on it. If I could return it and not loose a fortune I would. The seat seemed comfortable on the 10 min test drive, but the 30 min drive to work just Kills my neck. I've tried every conceivable position for the headrest and seat, nothing works. I have tried different car pads ect. still PAIN. Anyway my point is if the seats have been improved the old ones must have been real torcher devices.

 

I think the seats on the 2010 Prius are very comfy. I commute 50 miles to and from work everyday. Well, I was driving a 2007 Honda Fit before I got the Prius. Now, those seats were torture! So far, I have no issues with my seats.

 

I just sat in a 2009 Prius, '10 Prius, 09 Camry and 09 Corolla all with fabric seats.

2010 Prius - I found this driver's seat the best of the bunch. Great legroom. I was fine with even 2 more clicks available to go back. Backrest, headrest felt great with 'right' seatback angle. Fairly deep side bolsters, but plenty width for me. Maybe a really wide person would have an issue.

I could see for some, maybe not enough lumbar support. Got kinda small rear, so don't have that issue.

2009 Prius - For me, a terrible driver's seat: too flat seat bottom, too small, not enough travel backwards, I'm up too high in the car, all wrong. I knew it going into the purchase, but brushed it off by reclining the seatback a lot and thinking it's the best hybrid hatchback to date, should be ok with it in stock form. Ah ..... no.

Mine feels almost like a completely different car now. Close call.

2009 Camry - Interestingly .... the headrest is very thick and intrusive, much more than the new Prius. Headrest doesn't tilt, but it pushes into back of my head. Reclining seat helps somewhat.

2009 Corolla - Same intrusive headrest as Camry.

2009 Matrix - headrest not as intrusive as Corolla. Must be a slightly different seat in it.

 

I bought a foam seat (covers bottom and back of seat) from Wal-Mart. Works just great. for those long trips.

 

Just ask Jim and his crew to drive!!!

For me (5'10"), one hour one way drive to work is ok, however for more than 4 hours drive I use my Toyota Sienna 2007 Van even I drive alone.

No wonder a lot people drive SUV, VAN because these seats are more comfortable. I feel seating in the Prius like seating in a "race car".

Even my 16 year old girl is complaining about my 07 Prius seat.

 

Toyota USA was well aware of the seat shortcomings in the Gen2 car. However, the car is designed in Japan, so US has no direct control in what ended up in the car.

At least we can say Toyota listened and responded very well with the 2010 seats / ergos. The Prius is very important to Toyota, so they needed to make it better this time. They did.

The remedy to fix a personal problem with Gen2 seats is -

Modify or accessorize
or
Sell the car and get something else
or
Live with it as is

 

Lots of posts so the seat is obviously a problem.

I am NA, 55+, hx multiple lumbar fx but find the seat working very well for me.

I was told in PT that a towel rolled up & placed where it "feels good/ relieves the pain" is better than any seat out there. It does work & I'm talking about not being able to get out of the car or stand, not just back pain.

I tried a lumbar support to see if there was any difference but not that I could tell. There's many old jokes about Indians not having butts, maybe that is why my prius is ok. No seat, no butt, no problem.

Those tall folks with no leg room have a problem.

I do not like leather seats. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter, slicker than whatever. I had one car with them & will never own them again.

 

I'm all legs, and the Prius has the most headroom of any car I've ever owned including full sized sedans. It's headroom is more like the full sized SUVs I've owned like my current Durango.